Venezuela, dark fleet shipping and the blurred lines of maritime law, with Salvatore Mercogliano

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Salvatore R Mercogliano PhD, Campbell University professor of history in North Carolina and What's Going on With Shipping host, as they discuss US operations in Venezuela, the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro and international maritime implications for "dark fleet" shipping.

Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner, holds degrees in military and naval history, maritime history and nautical archaeology, and marine transportation. He previously authored the 2017 book Fourth arm of defense: Sealift and maritime logistics in the Vietnam War.

The pair discuss a range of topics, including:

• An overview of "dark fleet" or "shadow ships" operating outside the rule of law to avoid international sanctions.
• Implications on global shipping following US operations and the capture of commercial shipping vessels near Venezuela.
• Historical precedent for the capture of "dark fleet" ships as well as the flight of oil tankers and commercial maritime vessels from Venezuela after US military operations.
• "Dark fleet" ships operating in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific, where trade abuses and maritime smuggling activities have previously been linked to North Korea and other actors.
• Advances being made in military technology mounted on commercial shipping, such as containerised missile systems, containerised drone systems and close-in support weapon systems.
• The value of these systems in a wartime or blockade settings, with emphasis on the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People's Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team